1
: the surface included within a set of lines
specifically
: the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface see Metric System Table, Weights and Measures Table
2
: the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : field
the whole area of foreign policy
3
: areaway
4
: a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: such as
a
: a part of the surface of the body
b
: a geographic region
5
: a level piece of ground
6
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function
Examples of area in a Sentence
Settlers came to this area from the east.
The group visited the area during a hunting trip.
in the area surrounding the lake
The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast.
a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S.
in many areas of the world
He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician.
He lived in an unfashionable area of the city.
She set aside a work area in the kitchen.
The dining area has extra windows.
Recent Examples on the Web
The centers have become refuges for many whose lives have been upended by the unprecedented fires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area.
—
Angela Yang, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Times staff across the metropolitan area — from Long Beach to Echo Park and beyond — received the alert, which did not appear to discriminate by distance from any particular fire.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Several wildfires popped up across the Los Angeles area on Tuesday and through Wednesday, which were fueled by the high winds that plagued the region.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025
Washington — President Biden plans to speak Thursday after being briefed at the White House about the wildfires destroying neighborhoods across the Los Angeles area, where roughly 179,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for area 
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Angela Yang, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Times staff across the metropolitan area — from Long Beach to Echo Park and beyond — received the alert, which did not appear to discriminate by distance from any particular fire.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Several wildfires popped up across the Los Angeles area on Tuesday and through Wednesday, which were fueled by the high winds that plagued the region.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025
Washington — President Biden plans to speak Thursday after being briefed at the White House about the wildfires destroying neighborhoods across the Los Angeles area, where roughly 179,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for area
Dictionary Entries Near area
Cite this Entry
“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
area
noun
ar·ea
ˈar-ē-ə 
ˈer-
1
: a particular piece of ground or extent of space often set aside for special use
a picnic area
a waiting area
2
: the surface inside a figure or shape
especially
: the number of unit squares equal to the amount of space the surface covers
a circle with an area of 500 square meters
3
: region sense 2a
a farming area
4
: a field of activity or study
5
: a part of the brain having a particular function (as vision or hearing)
Etymology
from Latin "open space, threshing floor" — related to aerie
Medical Definition
area
noun
ar·ea
ˈar-ē-ə, ˈer-
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function see association area, motor area, sensory area
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